Licensed Electrician in Tucson

DIY and some Terminology

Sometimes you just want to check things out yourself. We understand that, and wan to help you with that. Remember, prior to starting any kind of investigation into an electrical problem, make sure that children and pets are safely out of harm’s way and then proceed only to the extent that you feel comfortable or knowledgeable; when in doubt, contact us!

If you have that one lamp or appliance that is always giving you trouble, follow this checklist to eliminate possible problems and find a solution:

Test your problem lamps or appliances by plugging them in one by one.
If the circuit doesn’t go dead, then the original circuit was overloaded.
Try moving some of the lamps or appliances to another circuit.
If the circuit goes dead as soon as you plug the object in, the problem is most likely in the plug or cord.
If the circuit goes dead when you turn on the lamp or appliance, the object is probably defective and needs to be either repaired or replaced.
And, one more time for emphasis: if you still are unable to find the problem, contact us. When dealing with electricity, as with anything that is dangerous or harmful, safe is always better than sorry!

Helpful Terminology

Below is a list of words commonly used in the Electrical Contracting field. This list will give you a better understanding when speaking to an electrician about your home.
ACB: Air Circuit Breaker.
Automatic Recloser: Switch used to automatically open then reclose after an over current event on a distribution voltage line.
Blackout: An interrupting of load to an electric utility customer or group of customers that reduces overall load to a system.
Breaker: see Circuit Breaker / Fuses.
Bulb Envelope Lighting: The outer enclosure of a light source; usually glass or quartz.
CB: Circuit Breaker.
Circuit: The conductive path over an electric charge may flow through.
Circuit Breakers / Fuses: Devices that are installed in the service panel of a home to limit the flow of electricity through a circuit. The breaker rating determines the capacity flow.
Code Corrections: Procedure designed to eliminate wiring conditions that do not meet National Electrical Code requirements and safety conditions.
Conduit: A channel for holding and protecting conductors and cables, made of metal or an insulating material, usually circular in cross section like a pipe.
Disconnect Switch: A simple switch that is used to disconnect an electrical circuit. It may or may not have the ability to stop the flow of current in the circuit.
Distribution Equipment: A device designed to provide electricity to multiple connections.
Duct: A channel for holding and protecting conductors and cables, made of metal or an insulating material, usually circular in cross section like a pipe.
Energy Saving Devices: Devices utilized within a dwelling designed to more efficiently make use of energy sources while providing heating, cooling, and light.
Heater: A heat source can be gas or electric. It can be used to adjust the temperature inside a room from a cold to a warm condition.
High-Tech Troubleshooting: A procedure performed by a trained and licensed technician for the purpose of and identifying electrical problems.
High Voltage: An electrical system designed to operate between 46kv and 230kv
Jacket: A covering over conductors for the purpose of electrical protection.
Load Center: Source for all power to the home. All circuits originate from the “Load Center” or “Service Panel.” Circuit breakers are located within this panel.
Low Voltage: A wiring system that provides power to some electronic devices operating on a voltage level lower than the 110 volts. These devices may be doorbells and thermostats.
Kilowatt: 1000 watts of power.
Medium Voltage: An electrical system or cable designed to operate between 1kv and 38kv.
Motors: Electronic device used to move, switch, or adjust one or more of the systems within a dwelling.
Pull Tension: The tension in pounds or kilograms required to pull a cable or wire into a duct or conduit or into an overhead location.
Pulling: The act of installing one or more cables.
Receptacles: Power sources located throughout a building to provide electricity where needed.
Smoke and Carbon Dioxide Detectors: Wall and ceiling mounted sensors located in the home used to alert occupants of deadly gasses and smoke inside the home.
Spill Light: Excess or unwanted light directed onto a surrounding property.
Switch: Circuit interruption device used to control the flow of electricity to outlets, appliances, and lights.
Thermostat: A low voltage electronic switch device that monitors temperature inside a home or office and turns on and off the heating or cooling system.
Track and Accent Lighting: Lighting specifically installed for direct purpose such as photos, art or hallways.
Wiring: A distributing network of wire that will conduct electricity to one or more receptacles, switches and appliances throughout a home or office to provide electricity where needed.

Holy Ground Electric
9420 E Golf Links Rd #252
Tucson AZ 85730
ph 520.971.6710
fx 520.229.0443